Struggling households in Worcestershire are urged to see if they are eligible for potential support of up to £500 towards energy bills. To qualify, residents must live in Malvern, Worcester, Wychavon, Bromsgrove, Redditch, or Wyre Forest District, with a gross household income of £24,570 or less annually for singles without children. Other households with an income below £31,000, excluding benefits, can also apply. Eligibility criteria include having no household savings and meeting specific vulnerability criteria, such as receiving DWP benefits, being of state pension age, or having young children under four.
Families with children under 18 or young adults up to 21 in full-time education may receive up to £500 in energy assistance, while other households could get up to £300. Payments will be made directly to energy suppliers or through Post Office vouchers for pre-payment customers. The application process is through the Act On Energy website.
The initiative is part of the Household Support Fund by Worcestershire County Council, aimed at aiding vulnerable families. Residents outside Worcestershire should approach their local council for available support, like Surrey County Council offering supermarket vouchers up to £300. Nottingham City Council is providing £100 vouchers to low-income or benefit recipients, while Wakefield Council is distributing food vouchers to eligible households. Pensioners and families receiving Council Tax Support are also receiving vouchers to aid with expenses.